THE hippocratic oath has joined white coats and house calls as the latest victim of changes in medical practice and fashions.

Only one of the 12 medical schools in Australia and New Zealand use the oath, albeit in modified form, according to a study published in this week's Medical Journal of Australia. But new style of declaration has taken its place, as faculty and classes begin to write the oaths themselves.

Seven universities still build in oaths at graduation for students to read aloud. However, one medical college at the University of NSW goes even further, letting students collectively draft their own promises regarding the care of future patients.